Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that lies behind the lower part
of your stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and
hormones that help regulate metabolism.

Pancreatic cancer often has a poor outlook, even in the rare cases when
it is diagnosed early. It typically grows and spreads rapidly and is usually
detected in its later stages.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not appear until
the cancer is quite advanced and complete surgical removal is no longer
possible.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back

Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Dark urine

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Blood clots

When to See a Doctor

If you experience unexplained weight loss—with or without a new diagnosis
of diabetes—or if you have persistent fatigue, abdominal pain or
jaundice, make an appointment to see your doctor. Many diseases and conditions
other than pancreatic cancer may cause similar signs and symptoms, so
your doctor may check for these other conditions as well.

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center of New Jersey

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center of New Jersey offers expert, state-of-the-art
care for oncology problems ranging from the simplest to the most complex.
Our approach is designed specifically to integrate with a multidisciplinary
care plan combining medicine, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy,
as necessary. Our expert physicians emphasize patient-centered, compassionate care.

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center provides expertise in the management
of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract tumors, soft tissue sarcomas,
melanoma and endocrine tumors. Our physicians are among the most accomplished
and highly trained in the region, making every effort to apply minimally
invasive techniques whenever feasible.